Upsala estimates no borrowing to finance school year

The Upsala School Board learned Aug. 28 that according to Supt. Gery Arndt’s estimate, the district will not need to borrow money for the 2013-2014 school year.

“We’re thinking we can make it without borrowing,” Arndt said. “We’re not 100 percent sure we won’t have to later in the year, but that’s what we’re aiming for.”

For the past several years, the district had borrowed against state funding that had been held back.

“Virtually every school district has had to do some borrowing at some point,” said Board Member Bill Krivanek. “Not having to borrow this year is mostly due to the shift in monies coming in from the state, We have more funding right now from the bond issue that was passed, plus our frugality — all of these things put together.”

Indications are that the district will receive more funding from the state next year.

“It is pleasing news to my ears that the added local funding is sufficient to make up for the lack of state funding this year,” Krivanek said. “I hope it proves true that there will be more funding next year.”

“This is really big,” said Board Member Karin Nelson. “It’s been many years that we’ve had to borrow — this feels good.”